JON front intro hk4p 0 # Introduction to Jonah<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of Jonah<br><br>1. Jonah tries to run away from Yahweh (1:1-2:10)<br>- Jonah disobeys Yahweh's first call to go to Nineveh (1:1–3)<br>- Jonah and the Gentile sailors (1:4–16)<br>- Yahweh provides a large fish to swallow Jonah (1:17)<br>- Jonah prays from inside the fish and is rescued (2:1–10)<br>1. Jonah in Nineveh (3:1-4:11)<br>- Yahweh again calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, and Jonah proclaims Yahweh's message (3:1–4)<br>- Nineveh repents (3:5-9)<br>- Yahweh decides not to destroy Nineveh (3:10)<br>- Jonah is very angry with Yahweh (4:1–3)<br>- Yahweh teaches Jonah about grace and mercy (4:4–11)<br><br>#### What is the Book of Jonah about?<br><br>Jonah, son of Amittai, was a prophet from Gath Hepher (2 Kings 14:25). This book tells about what happened to Jonah. It tells how Yahweh shows mercy and grace to Gentiles. It also tells how the Ninevites repented and called out to Yahweh for mercy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])<br><br>Yahweh sent Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that he was ready to punish them. Yahweh said that if they would repent he would not harm them. However, Jonah was an Israelite and he did not want the Ninevites to repent. So Jonah tried to sail away in the opposite direction instead of doing what Yahweh told him to do. But Yahweh stopped him by sending a storm and a large fish to swallow him.<br><br>Jonah repented and warned the Ninevites. As a result, Yahweh taught him that he is concerned about all people, not just the Israelites.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>This book is traditionally titled "The Book of Jonah" or just "Jonah." Translators may decide to use a clearer title such as "The Book about Jonah." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of Jonah?<br><br>Jonah was probably involved in the writing of this book. However, scholars do not know who actually wrote it.<br><br>Jonah lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. He prophesied sometime between 800 and 750 B.C. during the reign of King Jeroboam II.<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### What was the nation of Assyria?<br><br>During the time of Jonah, Assyria was the most powerful kingdom in the ancient Near East. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria.<br><br>Assyria was cruel to its enemies. Eventually, Yahweh punished the Assyrians for the wicked things they did.<br><br>#### Did Assyria convert to Judaism?<br><br>Some scholars think that the Assyrians started worshiping Yahweh alone. However, most scholars think they continued to worship other false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br>
JON 01 intro xvp2 0 # Jonah 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>The narrative of this chapter starts abruptly. This could cause difficulty for the translator. The translator should not attempt to smooth this introduction unless absolutely necessary.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Miracle<br><br>In verse [Jonah 17](./17.md), there is the mention of "a great fish." It may be difficult to imagine a sea creature big enough to swallow a man whole and who then survives for three days and nights inside. Translators should not try to explain miraculous events in an attempt to make it easier to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/miracle]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Situational irony<br><br>There is an ironic situation in this chapter. Jonah is a prophet of God and should endeavor to do God's will. Instead, he is running away from God. Although the Gentile sailors are not Israelites, they act out of faith and fear of Yahweh when sending Jonah to a "certain death" by throwing him overboard. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/willofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>##### Sea<br><br>People in the ancient Near East also saw the sea as chaotic and did not trust it. Some of the gods they worshiped were gods of the sea. Jonah's people, the Hebrews, feared the sea greatly. However, Jonah's fear of Yahweh was not enough to keep him from going into a ship and sailing to get away from Yahweh. His actions are contrasted by the actions of the Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Implicit information<br><br>Even though no one knows for sure where Tarshish was, the writer assumes that the reader knows that Jonah had to face away from Nineveh to go there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
JON 01 01 ll6c figs-idiom 0 the word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. "Yahweh spoke his message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 01 01 qa3z 0 the word of Yahweh "the message of Yahweh"
JON 01 01 s6av 0 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
JON 01 01 jv8c translate-names 0 Amittai This is the name of Jonah's father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
JON 01 02 x5ua 0 Get up and go to Nineveh, that great city "Go to the important city of Nineveh"
JON 01 02 v2xt figs-idiom 0 Get up and go This is a common expression for traveling to distant places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 01 02 jqz9 figs-metonymy 0 speak out against it God is referring to the people of the city. Alternate translation: "warn the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JON 01 02 rki2 0 their wickedness has risen up before me "I know they have been continually sinning"
JON 01 03 f5sr figs-idiom 0 got up to run away from the presence of Yahweh "ran away from Yahweh." "got up" is referring to Jonah leaving where he was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 01 03 n96t figs-metonymy 0 the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JON 01 03 g66v figs-explicit 0 go to Tarshish "and went to Tarshish." Tarshish was in the opposite direction to Nineveh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 01 03 djv1 0 He went down to Joppa "Jonah went to Joppa"
JON 01 03 w3uc 0 ship A "ship" is a very large type of boat that can travel on the sea and carry many passengers or heavy cargo.
JON 01 03 pz67 0 So he paid the fare "There Jonah paid for the trip"
JON 01 03 g5xp 0 boarded the ship "got on the ship"
JON 01 03 i6bi 0 with them The word "them" refers to the others who were going on the ship.
JON 01 03 sw66 figs-metonymy 0 away from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: "away from Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JON 01 04 uj2z figs-explicit 0 Soon it appeared It can be made explicit who thought the ship would be broken up. Alternate translation: "The men thought" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 01 04 jl77 figs-activepassive 0 to be broken up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to break apart" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JON 01 05 d13r 0 the sailors the men who worked on the ship
JON 01 05 u2bj 0 his own god Here "god" refers to false gods and idols that people worship.
JON 01 05 sh1b 0 They threw the ship's cargo "The men threw the heavy things off the ship." This was done to keep the ship from sinking.
JON 01 05 tg27 0 to lighten it Making the ship lighter would make if float better. Alternate translation: "to help the ship float better"
JON 01 05 uzt4 0 But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship Jonah did this before the storm started.
JON 01 05 f63r 0 down into the innermost parts of the ship "inside the ship"
JON 01 05 g4y4 0 was lying there deeply asleep "was lying there fast asleep" or "was lying there and sleeping deeply." For this reason, the storm did not wake him up.
JON 01 06 laa3 0 So the captain came to him and said to him "The man in charge of the ship went to Jonah and said"
JON 01 06 yx7e figs-rquestion 0 What are you doing sleeping? "Why are you sleeping?" He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate translation: "Stop sleeping!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 01 06 bd4f figs-idiom 0 Get up! This refers to doing some activity. For Jonah, the Captain is telling him to wake up and pray to his god for safe passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 01 06 k7a5 figs-idiom 0 Call upon your god! "Pray to your god!" "Call" refers to getting the attention of someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 01 06 sk7i figs-explicit 0 Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish The implicit information that Jonah's god might save them could be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Maybe your god will hear and save us so that we will not die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 01 07 sc57 0 They all said to each other "The sailors all said to each other"
JON 01 07 l5xq 0 Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us "We should cast lots to know who has caused this trouble." The men believed that the gods would control how the lots fell in order to tell them what they wanted to know. This was a form of divination.
JON 01 07 d726 0 this evil This refers to the terrible storm.
JON 01 07 at67 0 the lot fell to Jonah "the lot showed that Jonah was the guilty person"
JON 01 08 wkh6 0 Then they said to Jonah "Then the men who were working on the ship said to Jonah"
JON 01 08 e7wb 0 Please tell us who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us. "Who caused this bad thing that is happening to us?"
JON 01 09 wav5 0 fear Yahweh The word "fear" refers Jonah having a deep respecting God.
JON 01 10 peg3 figs-rquestion 0 What is this that you have done? The men on the ship used this rhetorical question to show how angry they were at Jonah. Alternate translation: "You have done a terrible thing." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 01 10 us1r figs-metonymy 0 he was running away from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Jonah was seeking to escape Yahweh as if Yahweh was present only in the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "Jonah was running away from Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JON 01 10 hw1p figs-explicit 0 because he had told them. What he told them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because he had said to them, 'I am trying to get away from Yahweh.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 01 11 kb4c 0 they said to Jonah "the men on the ship said to Jonah" or "the sailors said to Jonah"
JON 01 11 ik6d 0 do to you so that the sea will calm down "do with you in order to make the sea become calm"
JON 01 11 wxr7 0 the sea became more and more violent This was the reason that the men asked Jonah what they should do. This reason can also be put at the beginning of verse 11 as in the UST.
JON 01 12 h982 0 for I know that it is because of me that this great storm is happening to you "because I know this huge storm is my fault"
JON 01 13 lcd3 figs-explicit 0 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get them back to the land The men did not want to throw Jonah into the sea, so they rowed hard as if they were digging into the water to get back to land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 01 13 m3iq 0 the sea was becoming more and more violent "the storm became worse, and the waves became bigger"
JON 01 14 ap77 0 Therefore "Because of this" or "Because the sea became more violent"
JON 01 14 q2xq 0 they cried out to Yahweh "the men prayed to Yahweh"
JON 01 14 wz6z 0 do not let us perish on account of this man's life "Please do not kill us because we caused this man to die" or "We are going to cause this man to die. But please do not kill us"
JON 01 14 vv5t figs-metaphor 0 do not lay upon us the guilt of his death "please do not blame us for his death" or "do not consider us guilty when this man dies." The author speaks of "guilt" as if it were an object that can be placed on top of a person. It refers to making that person accountable for their actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 01 15 l9cf 0 the sea stopped raging "the sea stopped moving violently" or "the sea became calm"
JON 01 16 r3gs 0 feared Yahweh very much "became greatly awed at Yahweh's power"
JON 01 17 q87y 0 General Information: Some versions number this verse as the first verse of chapter 2. You may want to number the verses according to the main version that your language group uses.
JON 01 17 fle4 0 Now This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story.
JON 01 17 cjb6 0 three days and three nights "three days and nights"
JON 02 intro ae4k 0 # Jonah 02 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins with a prayer by Jonah, and many translators have chosen to set it apart by setting its lines farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Translators can follow this practice, but they are not obligated to.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Sea<br>This chapter contains many terms from the sea.<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Poetry<br>Prayers in Scripture often contain a poetic form. Poetry frequently uses metaphors to communicate something with a special meaning. For example, since Jonah was in a fish in the sea, being trapped is compared to a prison. Jonah is overwhelmed by the depth of the sea and expresses this by speaking about the at the "base of the mountains" and in the "belly of Sheol." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Repentance<br>Scholars are divided over whether Jonah's repentance was genuine or whether he was trying to save his life. In light of his attitude in chapter 4, it is uncertain if he was genuinely repentant. If possible, it is best for translators to avoid making a definitive stance on whether Jonah's repentance was genuine. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
JON 02 01 alr2 0 Yahweh his God This means "Yahweh, the God he worshiped." The word "his" does not mean that Jonah owned God.
JON 02 02 al5b 0 He said "Jonah said"
JON 02 02 s7fi 0 I called out to Yahweh about my distress "I prayed to Yahweh about my great trouble." Even though Jonah was praying to Yahweh, he used Yahweh's name here and not "you." Alternate translation: "Yahweh, I called out to you about my distress"
JON 02 02 wdr4 0 he answered me "Yahweh responded to me" or "he helped me"
JON 02 02 w8wn figs-metaphor 0 from the belly of Sheol "from the center of Sheol" or "from the deep part of Sheol." Possible meanings are 1) Jonah was speaking as being in the belly of the whale was being in Sheol or 2) Jonah believed that he was about to die and go to Sheol or 3) He spoke as if he already had died and gone there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 02 03 n5wa 0 General Information: This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in [Jonah 2:2](../02/02.md). In verse 4 Jonah spoke of something he had prayed before this prayer.
JON 02 03 bz4y figs-parallelism 0 into the depths, into the heart of the seas This speaks of the vastness of the ocean Jonah was in. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
JON 02 03 glp2 0 into the heart of the seas "to the bottom of the sea"
JON 02 03 p8fd 0 the currents surrounded me "the sea water closed in around me"
JON 02 03 c6jx figs-doublet 0 waves and billows These are disturbances on the surface of the ocean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
JON 02 04 x1w9 figs-activepassive 0 I am driven out This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have driven me away" or "You have sent me away" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JON 02 04 z1yx figs-synecdoche 0 from before your eyes Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Alternate translation: "from you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
JON 02 04 b8vk figs-rquestion 0 yet I will again look toward your holy temple Jonah has hope that, in spite of all he is going through, he will see the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 02 05 pu5q 0 General Information: This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in [Jonah 2:2](../02/02.md).
JON 02 05 rf4b 0 The waters "The waters" refers to the sea.
JON 02 05 ca31 0 my neck Some versions understand the Hebrew word in this expression to mean "my life." In that interpretation, the waters were about to take away Jonah's life.
JON 02 05 nr3v 0 the deep was all around me "the deep water was all around me"
JON 02 05 p1fw 0 seaweed grass that grows in the sea
JON 02 06 z36i figs-metaphor 0 the earth with its bars closed upon me forever Jonah used a metaphor to compare the earth to a prison. Alternate translation: "the earth was like a prison that was about to lock me in forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 02 06 dc3r figs-metaphor 0 Yet you brought up my life from the pit Jonah speaks of the place of the dead as if it were a pit. Alternate translation: "But you saved my life from the place of the dead" or "But you saved me from the place where the dead people are" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 02 06 i3mx 0 Yahweh, my God! In some languages, it may be more natural to put this at the beginning of the sentence or next to the word "you."
JON 02 07 gm7v 0 General Information: This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in [Jonah 2:2](../02/02.md).
JON 02 07 l2b6 0 I called Yahweh to mind Since Jonah was praying to Yahweh, it might be more clear in some languages to say "I thought about you, Yahweh" or "Yahweh, I thought about you."
JON 02 07 ue9g figs-metaphor 0 then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. Alternate translation: "then you in your holy temple heard my prayer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 02 08 u1l9 0 They give attention to useless gods "People pay attention to useless gods"
JON 02 08 fac9 0 forsake loving faithfulness "are rejecting you, who would be faithful to them"
JON 02 09 z2y4 0 General Information: This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in [Jonah 2:2](../02/02.md).
JON 02 09 q3yb 0 But as for me, I This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "But I"
JON 02 09 nfd2 0 I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving This means that Jonah would thank God while he offered a sacrifice to him. It is not clear whether Jonah planned to thank God by singing or shouting joyfully.
JON 02 09 r4j4 figs-abstractnouns 0 Salvation comes from Yahweh This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "salvation" is expressed as the verb "save." "Yahweh is the one who saves people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JON 02 10 dz3j 0 upon the dry land "upon the ground" or "onto the shore"
JON 03 intro z3ut 0 # Jonah 03 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter returns to a narrative of Jonah's life.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Animals<br>According to the king's proclamation, the animals had to participate in the fast he ordered. This most likely reflects their pagan mindset. There was nothing in the law of Moses that instructed the people to have the animals participate in any religious acts. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Size of Nineveh<br>When the author talks about the size of Nineveh, the measurements he gives are confusing. The phrase "three days' journey" is ambiguous in Hebrew, as many scholars have remarked. In Jonah's day, cities were not as big as they are today. So although Nineveh was a big city, it was not as big as most modern cities.<br><br>##### God repenting or relenting<br>The last verse of this chapter says, "So then God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it." This concept of God changing His mind may be troubling for some translators and people may struggle to understand it. God's character is consistent. This whole book is written from a human viewpoint and so it is hard to understand the mind of God.<br><br>Yahweh is just and merciful so even though God did not follow through with a judgment in this instance, God's plan is always to punish evil. Later in history this nation did fall and was destroyed. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br>
JON 03 01 xj6n figs-idiom 0 The word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. See how you translated this in [Jonah 1:1](../01/01.md). Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke his message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 03 02 ve4i 0 Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city "Go to the important city of Nineveh"
JON 03 02 cl3b figs-idiom 0 Get up This refers to leaving the place one is at. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 03 02 ir79 0 proclaim to it the message that I command you to give "tell the people what I tell you to tell them"
JON 03 03 g4nk figs-metonymy 0 the word of Yahweh Here "word" represents Yahweh's message. Alternate translation: "the message of Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JON 03 03 k7k9 0 So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh "This time Jonah obeyed Yahweh and went to Nineveh"
JON 03 03 j8x1 figs-idiom 0 Jonah got up "Jonah left the beach." The words "got up" refer to preparing to go somewhere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 03 03 dt1b 0 Now This word is used here to mark a change from the story to information about Nineveh.
JON 03 03 ye82 figs-idiom 0 one of three days' journey "a city of three days' journey." A person had to walk for three days to completely go through it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JON 03 04 r2al 0 after a day's journey he called out Possible meanings are 1) "after Jonah walked a day's journey he called out" or 2) "while Jonah walked on the first day, he called out."
JON 03 04 e1b9 0 after a day's journey "after a day's walk." A day's journey is the distance that people would normally travel in one day. Alternate translation: "after Jonah walked for one day"
JON 03 04 r94k 0 he called out and said "he proclaimed" or "he shouted"
JON 03 04 q2nc translate-numbers 0 forty days "40 days" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
JON 03 05 e5lm figs-explicit 0 They all put on sackcloth Why people put on sackcloth can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "They also put on coarse cloth to show that they were sorry for having sinned" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 03 05 isk5 0 from the greatest of them down to the least of them "from the most significant to the least significant people" or "including all the important people and all the unimportant people"
JON 03 06 pna3 0 the news "Jonah's message"
JON 03 06 h9wz 0 He rose up from his throne "He got up from his throne" or "He stood up from his throne." The king left his throne to show that he was acting humbly.
JON 03 06 pvp7 0 throne A throne is a chair that the king sits on. It shows that he is the king.
JON 03 07 v29b 0 He sent out a proclamation that said "He sent out an official announcement that said" or "He sent his messengers to announce to the people in Nineveh"
JON 03 07 n5fn 0 nobles important men who helped the king rule the city
JON 03 07 xw6c 0 herd nor flock This refers to two kinds of animals that people care for. Alternate translation: "cattle or sheep"
JON 03 07 fw18 figs-explicit 0 Let them not eat, nor drink water "They must not eat nor drink anything." The reason they were not to eat or drink anything can be made explicit by adding "in order to show that they are sorry for their sins." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 03 08 ld2n 0 General Information: This is a continuation of what the king told the people of Nineveh.
JON 03 08 x6ct 0 But let both "Let both"
JON 03 08 bmf5 figs-activepassive 0 let both man and animal be covered with sackcloth This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let people and animals wear sackcloth" or "let people cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JON 03 08 mzx6 0 animal The word "animal" refers to animals that people own.
JON 03 08 jh7e figs-explicit 0 cry out loudly to God "pray earnestly to God." What they were to pray for can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 03 08 n3ls 0 the violence that is in his hands This means "the violent things that he does"
JON 03 09 wbt6 figs-rquestion 0 Who knows? The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that they might not have thought possible, that if they would stop sinning, God might not kill them. It could be translated as a statement: "We do not know." Or it could be stated as a word and be part of the next sentence: "Perhaps." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 03 09 z3jj 0 God may relent and change his mind "God may decide to do something different" or "God may not do what he said he will do"
JON 03 09 uvp9 0 we do not perish "we do not die." Here perish equates to drowning at sea.
JON 03 10 w3uu 0 God saw what they did "God understood that they stopped doing evil actions"
JON 03 10 k8am figs-metaphor 0 they turned from their evil ways The author speaks of the people stop sinning as if they turned their back to an object. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 03 10 i1gp figs-metaphor 0 God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them Here God deciding not to do the punishment he had planned is spoken of is if he changed his mind. Alternate translation: "God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them" or "God decided not to punish them as he had said he would" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JON 03 10 it1a figs-explicit 0 he did not do it What God was to do can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he did not punish them" or "he did not destroy them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 intro ys57 0 # Jonah 04 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>Jonah continues the narrative while bringing the book to what seems like an unusual end. This emphasizes that the book is not really about Jonah. It is about God's desire to be merciful on anyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Jonah's anger<br>It is important to see the relationship between a prophet and Yahweh. Aprophet was to prophesy for Yahweh, and his words must come true. According to the law of Moses, if that did not happen, the penalty was death. When Jonah told the city of Nineveh that it was going to be destroyed in forty days, he was certain it was going to happen. When it did not happen, Jonah was angry with God because he hated the people of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Rhetorical questions<br>As in other places, Jonah asks rhetorical questions to show how angry he was at Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>##### Parallel to Mount Sinai<br>In verse 2, Jonah attributes a series of characteristics to God. A Jewish reader of this book would recognize this as a formula Moses used in speaking about God when he was meeting God on Mount Sinai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### God's grace<br>When Jonah went outside the city, he got very hot and God graciously provided some relief through the plant. God was trying to teach Jonah through an object lesson. It is important for the reader to see this clearly. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])<br>
JON 04 02 q6bb 0 Ah, Yahweh The word "Ah" expresses Jonah's feeling of frustration.
JON 04 02 k24b figs-rquestion 0 is this not just what I said when I was back in my own country? Jonah used this rhetorical question to show God how angry he was. Also, what Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "When I was still in my own country I knew that if I warned the people of Nineveh, they would repent, and you would not destroy them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 02 jv5c 0 abounding in covenant faithfulness "very faithful" or "you love people very much"
JON 04 02 wl7j 0 you hold back from sending disaster This means "you say that you will send disaster on sinners, but then you decide not to." Alternate translation: "you decide not to punish people who sin"
JON 04 03 dm5t figs-explicit 0 take my life from me Jonah's reason for wanting to die can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "since you will not destroy Nineveh as you said you would, please allow me to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 03 yk5v 0 for it is better for me to die than to live "I would prefer to die than live" or "because I want to die. I do not want to live"
JON 04 04 eb4a figs-rquestion 0 Is it good that you are so angry? God used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah for being angry about something he should not have been angry about. Alternate translation: "Your anger is not good." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 04 05 q1f7 0 went out of the city "left the city of Nineveh"
JON 04 05 af46 0 what might become of the city "what would happen to the city." Jonah wanted to see if God would destroy the city or not destroy it.
JON 04 06 i4r4 0 over Jonah so that it might be a shade over his head "over Jonah's head for shade"
JON 04 06 t21k 0 to relieve his distress "to protect Jonah from the heat of the sun"
JON 04 07 t7il 0 But God prepared a worm "God sent a worm"
JON 04 07 rw7z 0 It attacked the plant "The worm chewed the plant"
JON 04 07 d16m 0 the plant withered The plant became dry and died. Alternate translation: "the plant died"
JON 04 08 hmi4 figs-explicit 0 God prepared a hot east wind God caused a hot wind from the east to blow on Jonah. If wind can only mean a cool or cold wind then you can try this. Alternate translation: "God sent a very hot warmth from the east to Jonah" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 08 mnu9 0 the sun beat down "the sun was very hot"
JON 04 08 u2pl figs-synecdoche 0 on Jonah's head Jonah may have felt the heat most on his head. Alternate translation: "on Jonah" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
JON 04 08 z95v 0 he became faint "he became very weak" or "he lost his strength"
JON 04 08 eln6 0 It is better for me to die than to live "I would prefer to die than live" or "Because I want to die. I do not want to live." See how you translated this in [Jonah 4:3](../04/03.md).
JON 04 09 a5f5 figs-rquestion 0 Is it good that you are so angry about the plant? God challenges Jonah for being angry that the plant died and yet wanted God to kill the people of Nineveh. Alternate translation: "Your anger about the plant dying is not good." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 04 09 w24z figs-explicit 0 Is it good that you are so angry about the plant? implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You should be more concerned about the people in Nineveh dying than about the plant dying." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 09 h43a 0 It is good that I am angry, even to death. "It is good that I am angry. Now I am angry enough to die!"
JON 04 10 gkz7 figs-explicit 0 Yahweh said It may be helpful to say that Yahweh was speaking to Jonah. Alternate translation: "Yahweh said to Jonah" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 04 11 ecl1 figs-rquestion 0 should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city ... cattle? God used this question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate translation: "I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that important city ... cattle." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JON 04 11 dqi1 0 in which there are more This can also be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: "There are more" or "It has more"
JON 04 11 c3b7 translate-numbers 0 one hundred and twenty thousand people 120,000 people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
JON 04 11 j35h 0 who do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand This may be a way of saying "they cannot tell the difference between right and wrong."
JON 04 11 q55i writing-background 0 also many cattle The author is pointing out the depth of Nineveh's repentance to the extent that Yahweh takes note of the beasts' participation in the act of repentance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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